Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh by Helen Rutter

The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh is inspirational, touching and downright funny! Billy Plimpton has a stammer. As he leaves Year 6 and begins secondary school, he is terrified of others finding out. He does all he can to hide his voice and think of ways to cure his stammer so he can follow his… Continue reading The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh by Helen Rutter

Book Review, Picture Books

Along Came a Fox by Georgiana Deutsch & illustrated by Cally Johnson-Isaacs

It was just the right sort of night for adventure and, in this wonderful picture book, Bramble the fox does just that. He is on the search for fireflies. Wandering through the shadowy forest, he insists that foxes don’t get scared until he spots his reflection in the lake and mistakes it for another fox.… Continue reading Along Came a Fox by Georgiana Deutsch & illustrated by Cally Johnson-Isaacs

Book Review, Graphic Novel

El Deafo by Cece Bell ~ Review by Lucy, age 10

El Deafo is a great book about a small girl, called Cece, who was really poorly with meningitis when she was little and she lost her hearing. Cece had to wear a hearing aid that was a box that had straps that she had to put her arms through. Coming out of the sides of… Continue reading El Deafo by Cece Bell ~ Review by Lucy, age 10

Book Review, Picture Books

Christmas Picture Books from Little Tiger Press ~ 2021 Update

One of our favourite Christmas traditions is getting out the box of very special Christmas books we’ve collected over the years. Each one holds wonderful memories and is cherished every year. We’re always on the look out for new books to add to our collection. Little Tiger has a selection of fun and festive stories… Continue reading Christmas Picture Books from Little Tiger Press ~ 2021 Update

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Incredible Record Smashers by Jenny Pearson & illustrated by Erica Salcedo

The Incredible Record Smashers is a laugh-out-loud story that hits the reader right in the heart. Bravely addressing a challenge so many children face, Jenny Pearson skilfully leads Lucy on a journey of discovery. Caring for a parent struggling with depression is hard. This story does not shy away from that. Through humour, empathy and… Continue reading The Incredible Record Smashers by Jenny Pearson & illustrated by Erica Salcedo

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Good Bear by Sarah Lean & illustrated by Fiona Woodcock

The Good Bear is a powerful story of trust, unusual friendships and understanding. Twelve-year-old Thea travels to Norway to spend Christmas with her father and his family.  Leaving her mother and everything familiar behind, Thea must learn that Christmas is not about the traditions, what you do or what you eat, but about being together… Continue reading The Good Bear by Sarah Lean & illustrated by Fiona Woodcock

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Soup Movement by Ben Davis

The Soup Movement by Ben Davis is a powerful and emotional book. Aimed at readers age 8+, it is fantastic story for developing empathy across so many parts of life. Jordan has a past he doesn’t want anyone to know about. All he wants is to be normal, to have friends, to fit in at… Continue reading The Soup Movement by Ben Davis

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

School for Nobodies by Susie Bower

School for Nobodies is one of those books that forces you to stop and think once you’ve finished reading it. There are so many layers of meaning and symbolism that come together in the final scenes bringing the story to an intense and powerful conclusion. Flynn is adopted. Her “parents” refuse to talk about her… Continue reading School for Nobodies by Susie Bower

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q. Rauf

Review by Lucy, age 10 I love Onjali Q. Rauf’s books because they are about kids helping fix the problems around the world. They inspire young people to look around to see who they can help to be happier and safer with their families. The Night Bus Hero is one of these amazing books that… Continue reading The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q. Rauf

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Lori and Max and the Book Thieves by Catherine O’Flynn

Lori and Max – Book One Lori and Max is a fun, multi-layered detective story with some unexpected twists. Written in a young, chatty style, children will be pulled into the story as they spot clues and help Lori find answers. This story has been very cleverly written from two points of view. Lori is… Continue reading Lori and Max and the Book Thieves by Catherine O’Flynn